Hands-on learning is one of the best ways to retain information, and the sciences naturally lend themselves to this discipline. Esperanza Academy’s students’ eagerness to learn practical skills makes teaching even more enjoyable! Take a quick glance at what the Academy’s students have been actively learning in Forensics, Engineering, and Biology classes this past February:
In Biology class, students carefully dissected flowers to learn their various parts and how they reproduce. The color, shape, and fragrance of a flower all aid in its ability to successfully reproduce. Dissecting flowers is a delicate job and can help students realize the skills required in other professions, like surgeons or sculptors.
In Engineering class, students have recently been designing and creating their own gliders. They start with drafting detailed measurements using a variety of mathematical calculations. Learning these practical skills will help students to visualize their future career paths and understand the responsibility and diligence required to create a structure that can safely carry passengers.
In Forensics class, students have been collaborating with another high school in Lancaster, PA. They exchanged hand-written letters and then thoroughly analyzed them. They investigated the level of pressure, the size of the writing, and whether it slanted or stayed straight. Through their peers’ handwriting, they could calculate the other students’ characteristics like self-esteem, attention to detail, energy levels, and more. They culminated the project by meeting their peers in Lancaster over Zoom to discuss their results. In May, the Academy’s Forensics students will be collaborating with Criminal Justice students by analyzing a crime scene simulation and then presenting the data in a mock trial.
Esperanza Academy offers several STEM majors such as Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences. Ten additional majors include Dance, Film, Visual Arts, Journalism, Criminal Justice, Entrepreneurship, Teacher Education, Music (Vocal), Music (Instrumental), and Drama. Students get hands-on, experiential training in the major of their choosing, helping prepare them even more effectively for college and careers.
